REITERATION OF INSTRUCTIONS RELATING TO APPLICATION OF OWN MERIT IN DIRECT RECRUITMENT FOR APPOINTMENT OF OTHER BACKWARD CLASSES (OBCS)- DOPT

Reiteration of instructions relating to application of own merit in Direct Recruitment for appointment of Other Backward Classes (OBCs)

F. No. 43011/4/2018-Estt.(Res.)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

Department of Personnel and Training

Establishment (Reservation-I) Section

North Block, New Delhi

Dated April 4, 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : Reiteration of instructions relating to application of own merit in Direct Recruitment for appointment of Other Backward Classes (OBCs)-regarding

The undersigned is directed to say that the Hon’ble Supreme Court in its judgment in the case of R. K. Sabharwal vs. State of Punjab, had, inter-alia, observed that “the reserve category candidates can compete for the non-reserve posts and in the event of their appointment to the said posts their number cannot be added and taken into consideration for working out the percentage of reservation.”

2. As per instructions issued vide this Department’s OM No. 36012/2/96-Estt.(Res) dated 02.07.1997, in direct recruitment to Central Government jobs and services, the reserve category candidates who are selected on the same standard as applied to general candidates will not be adjusted against reserved vacancies. As per instructions issued vide DOP&T OM No. 36011/1/98-Estt.(Res) dated 01.07.1998, only when a relaxed standard is applied in selecting a reserved candidate, for example in the age limit, experience, qualification, permitted number of chances in written examination, etc., such candidates will be counted against reserved vacancies.

3. It has been brought to the notice of this Department by the Hon’ble Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of OBCs that these instructions are not being followed in some cases in direct recruitment to Central Government jobs and services. It is, therefore, reiterated that while making Direct Recruitment, guidelines issued vide this Department’s OM No. 36012/2/96-Estt.(Res) dated 02.07.1997 and OM No.36011/1/98-Estt.(Res) dated 01.07.1998 may be kept in view by all concerned.

4. All Ministries/ Departments are requested to bring the contents of this O.M. to the notice of all concerned for information and compliance.